Have you ever been in the middle of a Helldivers 2 mission, feeling like you've got everything under control, and then the ground starts shaking violently? A giant worm-like creature, the Hive Lord, bursts out, and suddenly, your whole squad is running for their lives. I remember the first time I saw one; my team and I were so focused on the Terminid nest we almost didn't notice the ground trembling until it was too late. We were completely unprepared and got wiped out in seconds. It was a harsh lesson, but it taught me that to take down this beast, you need a solid plan.

So, can you actually kill a Hive Lord in Helldivers 2? Yes, you absolutely can, but it's no walk in the park. The key is to come prepared with the right gear and a coordinated team. You'll need heavy-duty firepower like Portable Hellbombs and anti-tank weapons to even scratch its thick armor.

Strategies for Slaying the Beast

Taking down a Hive Lord requires more than just shooting at it until it's dead. Here are some proven strategies to help you and your squad emerge victorious:

• Bring Out the Big Guns: Don't even think about fighting a Hive Lord with your standard assault rifle. You'll need something with a lot more punch. Anti-tank weapons are a must. My personal favorite is the Recoilless Rifle, but the Spear is also a great choice. The trick is to aim for its head or any exposed fleshy parts when it surfaces.
• Hellbombs Away!: Portable Hellbombs are your best friend in this fight. The first time my squad and I successfully killed a Hive Lord, it was all thanks to a well-placed Hellbomb. We lured it to the bomb, and I detonated it right as it was about to charge. The explosion took a massive chunk out of its health and left it vulnerable for us to finish it off.
• Suit Up in an Exosuit: If you have access to an Exosuit, now's the time to use it. The EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuit, in particular, is fantastic for this fight. Its powerful cannons can strip the Hive Lord's armor, making it easier for your teammates to deal damage.
• Teamwork is Key: This is not a fight you want to take on by yourself. In fact, if you're wondering if you can play the rest of the game solo, we have a whole article on Can You Play Helldivers 2 Solo?. For the Hive Lord, you need to communicate with your team. Coordinate your attacks, have someone dedicated to luring the beast, and make sure everyone knows their role.
• Stay on Your Toes: The Hive Lord has a nasty habit of burrowing underground and then bursting out right underneath you. Keep an eye on the ground and be ready to dodge at a moment's notice. When it's burrowing, that's your chance to reload, reposition, and prepare for its next attack.

It's also worth noting that some players argue that killing the Hive Lord isn't always the most efficient use of your time, especially on higher difficulties where you have multiple objectives. Sometimes, it's better to avoid it and focus on completing your mission. However, if you're up for the challenge, the satisfaction of taking down one of these giants is totally worth it.

Want to get some extra gear to take on the Hive Lord? With Playstorm, you can play fun games and earn points that you can redeem for PlayStation or Steam gift cards. That way, you can get all the in-game items you need to become the ultimate Helldiver.